Défice de Atenção e Hiperatividade: sintomas e tratamento em Lisboa

ATTENTION DEFICIT AND HYPERACTIVITY - Treatment in Lisbon

Specialised neuropsychiatric assessment and intervention focused on ADHD in Lisbon

WHAT IS PHDA?

Avaliação neurológica da PHDA — NeuroPsyque Lisboa

A neurodevelopmental disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological condition characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity. Although it begins in childhood, it often manifests and persists into adulthood, compromising executive functions, time management, organisation and emotional regulation.

Most common manifestations

  • Inattention (Attention Deficit Disorder)
    Difficulty maintaining focus on long tasks, errors due to distraction, daydreaming and frequent forgetfulness.
  • Hyperactivity
    Motor restlessness, difficulty relaxing or the constant mental sensation of having an "internal motor" that never switches off.
  • Impulsiveness
    They act without thinking about the consequences, interrupt conversations frequently and have a low tolerance for frustration.
  • Executive Deregulation
    Chronic procrastination, difficulty in starting tasks, managing schedules and organising day-to-day life.

TYPES OF PHDA AND FUNCTIONAL IMPACT

Attention Disorder

What used to be called ADD. The symptoms boil down to easy distraction, disorganisation and severe difficulty maintaining focus on non-stimulating tasks.

Attention / Cognitive

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

Constant restlessness, difficulty staying still or resting, excessive talking, interrupting others and making hasty and impulsive decisions.

Behavioural

Combined ADHD

The most common clinical type, which encompasses significant and evident symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Mixed

Impact on Adulthood

It often translates into severe procrastination, professional instability, relationship difficulties, burnout and chronic mental overload.

Functionality
Estudo das funções neurológicas e executivas na PHDA

ADHD has a strong genetic and neurobiological component and is often associated with other conditions such as anxiety, depression and sleep disorders.

EFFECTIVENESS IN TREATMENT
ADHD IN ADULTS

Clinical results of integrated approaches: medication, psychological intervention and non-invasive neuromodulation

113
randomised trials and 14,887 adults analysed in the largest comparative meta-analysis of treatments for ADHD - confirming that medication, CBT and neurofeedback are complementary and not alternative
ISNR
International Society for Neuroregulation & Research - scientific society of reference in neurofeedback and neuromodulation, with a specific focus on paediatric ADHD and evidence-based protocols for children and young people
20%
of ADHD patients resist or do not tolerate medication - in these cases, non-invasive neuromodulation (rTMS/tDCS) is especially important
+5 areas
improve with combined treatment compared to medication alone: school performance, social skills, parent-child relationships, oppositional symptoms and self-regulation. *(analysed in children and young people)

Sources: clinical data, Ostinelli et al, Lancet Psychiatry 2025, Li et al, J Atten Disord 2024, Westwood et al, JAMA Psychiatry 2025, Yang et al, Frontiers Psychiatry 2025. The evidence points to the differential benefit of the multimodal approach, although long-term studies combining pharmacotherapy with neuromodulation in adults are still scarce.

TECHNOLOGY AND THE CLINICAL ENVIRONMENT

Neuroimagem
Estimulação Magnética Transcraniana
tDCS
Acupuntura
tDCS - Estimulação Eléctrica Transcraniana
qEEG
Clínica Lisboa
Ondas Cerebrais
neuroimagem TDAH/PHDA - COMPARAÇÃO
Sala Fisioterapia
Espaço Movimento e Saúde

THE IMPORTANCE OF SPECIALISED ASSESSMENT

ADHD is not a disease. It is a condition that is often misunderstood, and in adults, vastly underdiagnosed. Many patients spend years being treated only for anxiety or depression without improvement, unaware that the basis of their suffering is a lack of tools to turn their unique characteristics into something positive. A thorough neuropsychological assessment is indispensable to confirm the diagnosis, identify the affected areas, rule out other pathologies, and work to enhance the benefits of the condition and avoid its risks.

💡 Correct diagnosis and early treatment are the key to breaking cycles of frustration, boosting self-esteem and unlocking your true professional and academic potential.

At Clínica NeuroPsyque, we offer an integrated approach, looking at overall health and well-being, not just symptoms. We combine precision pharmacological therapies with innovative strategies such as neuromodulation (Neurofeedback, EMT and tDCS) and brain mapping (qEEG). Our main aim is to help you regain control, increase your ability to focus and achieve a more balanced and productive day-to-day life.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ's about ADHD

Does ADHD only affect children?
No. Although it is a neurodevelopment which begins in childhood, around 60% of people continue to experience very significant symptoms throughout adulthood, which can profoundly affect their studies, professional career and interpersonal relationships.
How is the diagnosis made in adulthood?
The diagnosis is strictly clinical. It is based on an assessment using international scales that includes a rigorous interview about your life history (since childhood), the application of validated scales and collateral reports. At NeuroPsyque, we can also complement the assessment with Brain Mapping (qEEG) to observe the activity patterns of neuronal networks and refine the diagnosis.
Does treatment always involve medication?
Not necessarily, but psychostimulant and non-stimulant drugs are highly safe and effective, and are often the first line of treatment with the fastest and most noticeable results. The decision is always made together with you, on an individual basis, and you can opt for non-pharmacological strategies. Many patients show resistance to the medication, others intolerance, and others simply prefer to avoid its harmful side effects.
How can neurotherapy (neurofeedback) help with ADHD?
Techniques such as Neurofeedback allows the individual to visualise and modulate their own brain activity in real time, through brain mapping and neuroimaging. It is an excellent alternative or complement to medication, especially for patients who cannot tolerate conventional drugs.
Can ADHD be cured?
ADHD is not a disease, and there is no "cure" in the traditional sense of completely eliminating the underlying biology. The symptoms that are detrimental to everyday life are highly treatable. With the right intervention, it is possible to regulate and learn to manage the symptoms, maximising your best qualities (such as creativity and the ability to "hyperfocus" on areas of interest). It is possible to achieve a fully healthy and functional quality of life.
Do I need a doctor's referral to book an appointment?
Not necessary. You can book your neuropsychological assessment at NeuroPsyque. If you have health insurance, we only recommend that you check the conditions of your policy, as some insurers may require referrals for reimbursement processes. Contact us.